Suffolk University: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

Suffolk University is a private university with an acceptance rate of 85%. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, and originally founded as a law school, Suffolk now also includes colleges of arts and sciences and business. Suffolk has a student/faculty ratio of 13-to-1, and an average class size of 20. Outside of academics, students are actively involved in campus life, participating in over 100 clubs and organizations. The Suffolk University Rams compete in the NCAA Division III Commonwealth Coast Conference.

Considering applying to Suffolk University? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, Suffolk University had an acceptance rate of 85%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 85 students were admitted, making Suffolk's admissions process somewhat competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

Beginning with the 2020-21 admissions cycle, Suffolk University will offer test-optional admissions. Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 87% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Suffolk's admitted students fall within the top 35% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Suffolk scored between 520 and 620, while 25% scored below 520 and 25% scored above 620. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 510 and 600, while 25% scored below 510 and 25% scored above 600. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1220 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at Suffolk University

Requirements

Suffolk does not require the optional SAT essay section. Note that Suffolk participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Beginning with the 2020-21 admissions cycle, Suffolk University will offer test-optional admissions. Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores, but they are not required. During the 2017-18 admissions cycle, 12% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of Suffolk's admitted students fall within the top 42% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Suffolk received a composite ACT score between 21 and 26, while 25% scored above 26 and 25% scored below 21.

Requirements

Note that Suffolk does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. Suffolk does not require the optional ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2018, the middle 50% of Suffolk University's incoming freshmen class had high school GPAs between 2.86 and 3.7. 25% had a GPA above 3.7, and 25% had a GPA below 2.86. These results suggest that most successful applicants to Suffolk University have primarily A and B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to Suffolk University. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

Suffolk University, which accepts over three-quarters of applicants, has a somewhat selective admissions process. However, Suffolk has a holistic admissions process and is test-optional, and admissions are based on other factors beyond your grades and test scores. A strong application essay and a glowing letter of recommendation can strengthen your application, as can participation in meaningful extracurricular activities and a rigorous course schedule. While not required, Suffolk recommends optional interviews for interested applicants. Students with particularly compelling stories or achievements can still receive serious consideration even if their grades and test scores are outside Suffolk's average range.

In the graph above, the green and blue dots represent students who were accepted. You can see that most had SAT scores (ERW+M) of 950 or higher, an ACT composite of 18 or higher, and a high school average of a "B-" or higher. Your chances of being admitted will be higher with grades and test scores above these lower ranges.

If You Like Suffolk University, You May Also Like These Schools

• Boston College
• UMass Amherst
• UMass Boston
• New York University
• Emerson College
• Northeastern University
• University of Rhode Island

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and Suffolk University Undergraduate Admissions Office.